XC LIFE OF WILSON. 



I attempted to penetrate several of these swamps, with my gun, 

 in search of something new; but, except in some chance places, I 

 found it altogether impracticable. I coasted along their borders, 

 however, in many places, and was surprised at the great pro- 

 fusion of evergreens, of numberless sorts; and a variety of ber- 

 ries that I knew nothing of. Here I found multitudes of birds 

 that never winter with us in Pennsylvania, living in abundance. 

 Though the people told me that the alligators are so numerous 

 as to destroy many of their pigs, calves, dogs, &c. , yet I have 

 never been enabled to get my eye on one, though I have been 

 several times in search of them with my gun. In Georgia, they 

 tell me, they are ten times more numerous; and I expect some 

 sport among them. I saw a dog at the river Santee, who swims 

 across when he pleases, in defiance of these voracious animals; 

 when he hears them behind him, he wheels round, and attacks 

 them, often seizing them by the snout. They generally retreat, 

 and he pursues his route again, serving every one that attacks 

 him in the same manner.* He belongs to the boatman; and, 

 when left behind, always takes to the water. 



" As to the character of the North Carolinians, were I to 

 judge of it by the specimens which I met with in taverns, I 

 should pronounce them to be the most ignorant, debased, in- 

 dolent and dissipated, portion of the union. But I became ac- 

 quainted with a few such noble exceptions, that, for their 



* This is an uncommon instance of intrepidity in the canine race, and is 

 worthy of record. It is well-known that the alh'gutor is fond of dog-flesh; and 

 the dog appears to be instructed by instinct to avoid so dangerous an enemy, 

 it being difficult to induce him to approach the haunts of the alligator, even 

 when encouraged by the example of his master. A fine stout spaniel accom- 

 panied me to East Florida. Being one day engaged in wading through a pond, 

 in pursuit of ducks, with my dog swimming behind me, apparently delighted 

 with his employment, he smelt an alligator: he immediately made to the shore, 

 fled into the forest, and all my endeavours to prevail with him to return were 

 ineffectual. Ever after, when we approached that pond, he exhibited such 

 evidences of apprehension, that I was fain to retire with him, lest his terror 

 should again induce him to flee, where he would have, probably, been lost. 



